Lung Cancer - Modulation of Lung Immune Responses to Viral Infection

One of the aims of the study is to determine cellular and molecular networks underpinning human lung tissue responses to respiratory viruses. A second aim is to determine how virally-triggered lung epithelial cells modulate dendritic function. The third aim is to determine how the lung microenvironment modulates the fate of viral antigen. The fourth aim is to establish cellular maps of tissue resident immune and stromal cells in matched skin, proximal lung, and lung tumor sample. Finally, the fifth aim is to establish molecular maps and gene signatures of tissue immune and stromal cells during aging and tumorigenesis. In essence, the study aims to understand how viruses interact with the lung's natural bacterial environment in order to develop strategies to potentially further understand cancer formation.

Criteria:

• 18 years of age or older
• Planning to undergo surgery for early-stage lung cancer without chemotherapy beforehand
• Willing to provide a tumor sample, normal skin tissue, and blood for testing
• No antibiotic use within a week prior to sample collection
• No patients with viral hepatitis
• No immunodeficiency disorders

Location: Hartford HealthCare Surgical Oncology Clinics

Contact: susanne.morrill@hhchealth.org 860-972-1588